 Reference Base  Research into the possible reasons for a lack of ovarian ... |
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Taylor, M., 1998. Research into the possible reasons for a lack of ovarian cycling in an 18 year old female white rhino (Ceratotherium simum simum)(work in progress). EEP Research Group Newsletter 5: 5-6
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| Location: |
Africa - Southern Africa - Zimbabwe |
| Subject: |
Diseases |
| Species: |
White Rhino |
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Ceratotherium simum translocated within Zimbabwe, animals died. Circumstantial evidence led to the strong possibilityof trypanosomiasis infection for the following reasons (C.M. Foggin, pers.comm.).
(i) Matusadona National Park is in a tsetse fly (Glossina spp.) infested region. All white rhino in Zimbabwe have hitherto been located in fly-free areas.
(ii) All white rhino in Zimbabwe are ex-Zululand stock which has not been exposed to tsetse fly since 1948. Therefore their tolerance to trypanosomiasis could be expected to be low or absent.
(iii) In East Africa, black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) tend to be infected with trypanosomes but which only become pathogenic when the animal is stressed (Harthoorn, 1973; Clausen, 1981). Harthoorn (1973) states that black rhino may die of acute trypanosomiasis several days after capture unless treated. Although Berenil (Bayer) (diminazene aceturate) can prevent the stress-induced formation of the disease, Clausen (1981) found that Berenil did not effect complete elimination of the trypanosomes and that, in spite of treatment, one rhinoceros in his study sample died of trypanosomiasis. This East African problem has not, apparently, been experienced in Zimbabwe and remains somewhat anomalous in the context of black rhino capture in this country. However, in a telephone conversation with Dr. C.M. Foggin, the veterinary pathologist who assisted with the Matusadona problem, Dr. AM. Harthoorn suggested that white rhino would probably be equally susceptible to trypanosomiasis, especially with no previous exposure.
(iv) The three deaths occurred within a relatively short period, some 2 -3 months after the rhinos' release and at much the same time. There was no evidence to indicate that internal parasites or malnutrition were responsible. It seems, therefore, that all three animals could have been exposed to an infectious agent at about the same time and died after incubation and morbid periods of similar duration. This fits the theory that trypanosomiasis could have been responsible.
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